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Flap actuator rod end came unscrewed - how should it be connected?
- Thread starter nickw9815
- Start date
nickw9815
Well Known Member
Never mind - I found a safety builtin for this. I'll leave the post up as a PSA and reminder to check all bulletins and comply with it! Good thing this happened to me on the ground and not while landing.
SB 07-4-12: https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sb-07-4-12/
Thanks - I could not find where it specified the thickness!
Wow that's scary, in the wrong moment that's a fatal accident. Do that condition inspection well, folks!
The failure mode is that the nut comes loose and the shaft unscrews from the rod end bearing. This could happen even with the safety wire on the nut, and the shaft could come loose. That said, I can't see a reason to not use that nut with the safety wire hole - do you recall what size you ordered?
It seems to me the rotation of the shaft would tend to put a loosening force on the lock wired nut. You should still have the drilled hole in the shaft to lock wire either to the nut or to the bolt as per the SB.I used one of these drilled jam nuts. Much easier than the method in the SB. The fellow doing my final inspection (retired airline mechanic and RV builder) really liked it and signed off the inspection so thats good enough for me haha. I know this isnt as per the SB so its up to you if you're comphortable with it or not.
NAS1423 Drilled Hex Nuts - LH And Rh | Aircraft Spruce Canada
NAS1423 Drilled Hex Nuts - LH And Rh Material - 4130 Alloy Steel Per AMS-S-6758www.aircraftspruce.ca
Or replace with something better, I have one of these sitting on my bench waiting to be installed.
https://phaviation.com/products/product-category/the-pha-01-replacement-for-vans-flap-motor/
https://phaviation.com/products/product-category/the-pha-01-replacement-for-vans-flap-motor/
@rv6builder , What size nut did you order for this?I used one of these drilled jam nuts. Much easier than the method in the SB. The fellow doing my final inspection (retired airline mechanic and RV builder) really liked it and signed off the inspection so thats good enough for me haha. I know this isnt as per the SB so its up to you if you're comphortable with it or not.
NAS1423 Drilled Hex Nuts - LH And Rh | Aircraft Spruce Canada
NAS1423 Drilled Hex Nuts - LH And Rh Material - 4130 Alloy Steel Per AMS-S-6758
As others have already mentioned, safety wiring just the jam nut does not attain the same level of security as the SB method does.
If builders choose to do something different, it is important that they first develop an understanding of what is being accomplished with the recommended process so they can be sure of getting an equivalent result.
If builders choose to do something different, it is important that they first develop an understanding of what is being accomplished with the recommended process so they can be sure of getting an equivalent result.
I'm installing one of these right now. Really looking forward to putting it through its paces.
Thank-you Scott, I will delete my post and properly complete the service bulletin. My plane is at home for the winter for paint and updates so good timing.
